Kern Spencer Acquitted Fmr. PNP MP Fraudster… Eyes Return…

We at vision believe in rehabilitation of all, as “all have fallen short of the glory of God”. We also feel that if there is prime facie evidence to criminally charge someone, especially a politician for fraud related offenses, then the public should, if the party does not use whatever means to ask such an individual/accused to “tek we yourself.” meaning ride away into oblivion.

Plans Return

So when we heard that former MP Kern Spencer declare that he is considering returning to representational politics, has naturally raised eyebrows. Why? Well, Mr. Spencer has had a checkered past, or a not so pleasant past like: The Benz raffle fiasco and then the Cuban Light Bulb saga … he could have ended up in prison.

This position is not stigmatizing an individual for life, but probity, good taste and sensitivity dictates nothing less. We are happy for you and your co- accused for “beating the fraud charges.” Now that you have been handed a lifeline, allegedly by trial Judge Her Honour Judith Pusey, we feel you should just keep quiet and “hole you corners” translated means “keep a low profile.” There is a perception widely held that you did in fact defraud the Cuban Light Bulb Project of millions, which led to its suspension or termination. In another place, like the USA for example, you likely would have been convicted and sent to prison for years. The learned trial judge saw the case differently and upheld a “no case submission” that led to Kern Spencer and co-accused walking away scotch free. Good for you.

Senator K.D Knight, PNP said of Spencer’s acquittal that being found not guilty does not mean “innocent of the charges.” As thinking people, you figure that one out. This observation speaks volumes. Doesn’t it?

Transparency

In an atmosphere of openness and transparency, it would be remiss of me not to state here on the record that I was recruited to work at a media entity allegedly set up by Kern Spencer. Mr. Kern Spencer personally recruited me.

I was not aware or knowingly participated in defrauding the Jamaican taxpayers of any proceeds which may have been illegally extracted to fund the lightbulb project and diverted to find this my employment.

Dayton Campbell

The undersigned unlike what is alleged by JLP Minister Daryl Vaz, that Dr. Dayton Campbell did not support fully the principle of transparency and openness which dictates that one must make full disclosure of one’s association as in the case of CRH. In my case with Kern Spencer as stated above, as a former employee in one of the entities/companies believed to have been set up to divert funds from the light bulb project … full disclosure from my perspective is the only road to be taken. Dr. Dayton Campbell has his own principles and conscience to guide him. Good for you sir!

Diversion Scheme

It is believed that the alleged diversion of funds and the elaborateness of the diversion techniques employed could well be the subject of an international best seller (book) entitled: “How To Defraud And Avoid Prison.” To say the diversion scheme was expertly crafted, designed and efficiently executed, is to put it simply. How was it exposed? Did this lead to the judge upholding of the no case submission from Kern Spencer et al attorneys? We may never know what was Judge Pusey’s motivation (s).

DPP

Ms. Paula Llewellyn, Director of Prosecutions (DPP) was not amused. Llewellyn stopped short of accusing the learned Trial Judge Judith Pusey of professional misconduct. The apparent verbal stand off between them was classic if not ballistic. Llewellyn, who is never shy to be in the media spotlight spoke her mind for all to hear. From my perspective, there was no love lost.

Appeal

There has been a deafening call by the prosecution service for an avenue to legally appeal such decisions. This would give prosecutors another bite off the cherry as they are wont to say. The defense bar is opposed to same. The Houses of Parliament are yet to agree to this change. In certain jurisdictions like the UK this is allowed. Interestingly we adopted our judicial system from Britain, yet they have change course. What are we waiting on?

Legal Reform

We seem to have problems in drafting/writing laws with teeth. The INDECOM and Anti-gang laws are prime examples. If a law does not lead to effective enforcement and deterrence then it is just a glorified paper tiger. The DPP is urging Parliament to immediately amend the ati-gang law. ” it lacks certain key provisions especially in thet areas of search and confiscation of data etc) Are we at a crisis level as it relates to legal reform? A law should not be an Ass. Should it be? If it turns out to be so then it may be better not to enact same. “Government must be of laws rather than of men” Line from Jaycees Creed. Junior Chamber International (JCI). Creed.)

Kern Spencer

We say, your reputation you burnThis is not your turnStay away brother Kern …Lessons you need to learn

One’s integrity is priceless A the poor are powerlessDo be aware of public opinionTo court disaster is poor notion

We all like to think we’re strongBut at times we are wrongMemories, to all belong …Many are ever so long

Ride on in obscurityIf not in dignity ….All are dealt at least a bad cardWe at times deal without regard

About Vision Newspaper

A double award winning newspaper, Vision is specialized in bespoke content for the Caribbean Diaspora, with articles that are designed to bridge the gap between home and the UK and to keep the readers informed of what is currently happening on the islands.